Chun Yi: the Legend of Kung Fu

[firepalm]

http://www.chunyi-kungfu.com/

If you haven't seen it, go see it. A really incredible show, I've all nature of such shows and similar such productions both in North America and Asia. And this one really is quite outstanding; great performances, spectacular choreography, lighting, music, etc... just an overall outstanding and very professional show. Currently showing in Vancouver, check it out!

[GeneChing]

We brought it up on our shaolin shows thread. There is a short article covering it in our upcoming issue, currently at press.

[GeneChing]

...I still haven't seen this one.
And we did run a story on it in our 2006 March/April issue: Live on Stage! Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu By August West

PLAYING AT THE LONDON COLISEUM FOR 27 SHOWS ONLY

www.chunyi-kungfu.com

[GeneChing]

Chun Yi made its American debut in 2006. Wheel of Life made it's US debut in 2002, but it started earlier in UK and is still going (I think). Shaolin Warriors is still going and our earliest forum mention is 2000. I'd have to look at our print archive to get the actual premiere dates of these shows, but I'm not going to do that over this. Besides, that information is probably only based on the international premiere and Chun Yi might have an earlier Chinese premiere. That's doubtful, but I'll entertain the possibility.

Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu
Coliseum, London
* Judith Mackrell

Watching this kung fu spectacle, which claims to be China's longest-running show, you rapidly get used to the feel of your jaw going slack, to the sound of yourself yelping crazily. The three little boys doing forward flips on to their heads, in insouciant disregard of their spines; the man barrelling across the stage in a combat roll under a line of jumping bodies – surely the ambulance must be on its way.

London has seen a lot of kung fu in the last few years, and there is no doubt that the cast of Chun Yi are technically astonishing. The risks they take look terrifying, but the effects they create can be beautiful – especially in the sections featuring the traditional fighting forms of kung fu, where the performers transform themselves into elegantly poised leopards and flying frogs, or whip up an electrical storm of fiercely spinning chains and swords.

However, in contrast to a work such as Sutra (the recent collaboration between Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and the Shaolin monks), this is a show that is only about display. A sentimental linking narrative, which tells the story of a young monk overcoming his ego to become a great master, reduces the philosophy of kung fu to the gush of a tourist brochure. Each big effect has to be flagged up with flashing lights and a blast of overamplified music, while key moments in the monk's spiritual journey are choreographed as bad ballet or festooned with floating bubbles.

In terms of its aesthetic, Chun Yi owes more to the bloated productions of Cirque du Soleil than to the zen discipline of the Shaolin temple. And, as with the Cirque, more inexorably becomes less. The cast keep upping the physical ante, but by the end of the show, even the danger of it ceases to amaze.

[GeneChing]

but noteworthy for it's coverage...

Kung Fu Legend makes European debut
13:39, August 03, 2009

The ancient martial art of kung fu gets a theatrical makeover in a show more similar to Cirque Du Soleil than the Shaolin Temple. The Legend of Kung Fu is now on stage in the U. K., and is being performed from July 29 until August 16 at the London Coliseum.

A dazzling spectacle, the show combines unbelievable feats of kung fu artistry with dance and acrobatics, showing a young man how to reach enlightenment by overcoming obstacles. The obstacles he encounters are from both the outside world and inside his own mind, but after rising above them, he is finally able to become a master of kung fu.

The Kung Fu Legend marks the first time that a Chinese show is able to enter London's high-end performing market, relying completely on commercial operations.

A Canadian company in charge of the show's promotions helped to bring a 90 percent occupancy rate on the opening night at the London Coliseum, which seats 2400 people.

The mature and critical London audience gave the show a 10 minute-long standing ovation. The Coliseum stage director Dewie Evans said the show was "extremely exciting" and "unbelievable!"

The Legend of Kung Fu is the touching story of a young boy on an epic journey to enlightenment. To earn the title of Chun Yi, "the Pure One" in Chinese, the boy must overcome a series of difficult obstacles. The audience follows the trials and tribulations the boy faces on his journey.

The Legend of Kung Fu made its debut in Beijing in 2004. It has been running for more than four years and has staged about 3000 performances for two million audience. A multi-award winning blockbuster, the show has daily performances at the Beijing Red Theatre, located at the east gate of the Temple of Heaven.

[GeneChing]

What an odd move in Missouri...

Chinese production company buys Branson theater
December 14, 2009

A delegation of producers from China held a ribbon-cutting today in Branson at the recently purchased White House Theatre.

In May, they will open the show “Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu,” with a cast of 60 Chinese performers, some of whom participated in the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, according to a press release from the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

The show contains precision acrobatics, modern dance and original music.

The show is a production of China Heaven Creation, founded in 1999 with the backing of the China Travel Service and approval from the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China as a national model for cultural export.

The venue will retain the name “White House Theatre” and it will also retain a collection in the lobby of photographs of U.S. presidents.

The show is not related to the “Acrobats of China” which has been performing in Branson for several years.

[Kpower]

Branson is like Las Vegas without the gambling.

[GeneChing]

Vegas without gambling would be the desert.

Fighting fit for U.S. stage
www.chinaview.cn 2010-01-14 10:19:03

BEIJING, Jan. 14 -- More Americans will soon be able to see Chinese shows, since a Beijing company bought a theater in Branson, Missouri. Wu Chong in New York and Mu Qian in Beijing report

China has taken over the White House - not in Washington DC, but in Branson, Missouri.

The White House Theater will open on May 1 with the first show Chun Yi: The Legend of Kungfu. Photos courtesy of China Heaven Creation International Performing Arts Company

Last month, the Beijing-based China Heaven Creation International Performing Arts Company purchased a theater called the White House Theater in Branson, a small town in the American Midwest and a popular destination for American vacationers.

The theater will be a base for China Heaven Creation to develop its United States market, and its first show is Chun Yi: The Legend of Kungfu, which has been staged more than 3,000 times at home and abroad.

The White House Theater deal, worth $3.54 million, marks the first time a Chinese company has purchased a theater in the United States. It is the second venue in Branson to feature Chinese performing arts, after the New Shanghai Circus, whose forte is acrobatics.

"We also investigated New York and Las Vegas but found that this theater in Branson was the best deal we can get," says Cao Xiaoning, executive chairman of China Heaven Creation. "A city with a great number of visitors and a strong tradition of show business, Branson is strategically located for developing (our business) in the US."

With a population of about 7,000, Branson attracts approximately 8 million visitors each year, mostly American families. Besides its beautiful landscape and extensive water sports facilities, theater arts is another primary attraction of Branson. It boasts more than 50 live performance theaters in town and even more theater seats than Broadway. With 1,200 seats, the 15-year-old White House Theater is one of the biggest in Branson.

The theater will open on May 1 with Chun Yi: The Legend of Kungfu, a show that blends Chinese kungfu, dance and original music. It involves about 60 performers, besides set designer Han Lixun, chief creative director of set design for the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony, among others.

"More than 100 theater works are performed in Branson every year, most of which are nostalgic American-style shows, such as the Andy Williams Variety Show and Peter Pan. I believe that our show will bring something refreshing to American audiences," Cao says.

Premiering in 2004 in Beijing, Chun Yi: The Legend of Kungfu has toured Canada, Japan, Russia and the UK, with 574 performances held outside China. From May, the White House Theater will hold two shows a day.

"We've had people call in for reservations. The local communities are very open to international influences," says Anna Koelling, general manager of the theater.

Koelling was hired only four days before the deal was inked on Dec 16, and is currently one of the few full-time employees there. However, the theater will recruit more Americans, including a chief financial officer and a marketing director, according to China Heaven Creation.

Branson Chamber of Commerce President Ross Summers, who was present at the signing of the deal, says that he believes this is a good opportunity for the White House Theater and is excited about the upcoming kungfu production.

"The show appears to be world-class and successful in other cities. Once word of mouth gets around, the local people will (be drawn to) appreciate a good performance," he says.

But Summers also warns that it won't be easy for the Chinese company. "It will take a couple of years to build an audience. Also, as far as business practice goes, there's a learning curve on both sides (Branson and Heaven Creation)," he says. "But we're prepared to help them."

China Travel International Investment Hong Kong Limited, the main investor in China Heaven Creation, once owned the Florida Splendid China, a $100 million theme park which opened in 1993 near Walt Disney World, but closed in 2003 because of poor business. Cao, who used to work for Florida Splendid China, believes the experience gained there will help him to run the White House Theater better.

"The Florida Splendid China was too nationalistic, but in Chun Yi: The Legend of Kungfu we are trying to present a show of cosmopolitan values with Chinese characteristics, which is easy for people from various cultural backgrounds to accept," Cao says.

The show tells the story of a young boy who embarks on an epic journey to enlightenment after undergoing a series of formidable trials to earn the title "Chun Yi, The Pure One".

Cao says a conflict of roles between the Chinese and American staff also contributed to the failure of Florida Splendid China. To avoid a repetition, the White House Theater will make a clear division of responsibilities: the Chinese will be in charge of the show, and the Americans, the management of the theater.

"We are prepared to lose money in the first year, but we hope to make ends meet in the second year and begin to make a profit in the third," Cao says.

[r.(shaolin)]

For what its worth, to my mind this thread belongs in:
Martial Media and Popular Culture

[5thBrother]

does it come to Australia? ...

only saw London in the website?........

[Lucas]

I did a search but cannot find any future scheduled dates for the programme other than those in London.

It appears they are set to do 27 shows in London, going through the summer. BUT i dont see a year, so this may have been 2009??? they show the schedule as; July 29 - August 16....

http://www.chunyi-kungfu.com/tickets/

[GeneChing]

If you try to purchase tickets, there's nothing listed for those dates. I think the only upcoming presentation of Chun Yi - The Legend of Kung Fu is the Branson dates listed above.

r.(shaolin), you have a good point. The reason I've kept this thread here is because this show arose in part as a reaction to the Shaolin shows and Abbot Yongxin's effort to control the Shaolin name with such shows. It's the Shaolin show without any Shaolin in it.

[Lucas]

Thank you for the update.

[GeneChing]

From acrobats to cirque or kung fu Branson shows have it all
April 4th, 2010 by Gary J. Groman

Chair Stacking Routine from "Acrobats of China" gets more amazing and dangerous the higher she goes.

“It’s just an example of the variety Branson show goers have,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. Miller was referring to the quality and choices Branson audiences will have during 2010 in the area of acrobatic shows alone. “That’s what Branson is all about,” he said. “A choice of quality entertainment and fun for the whole family.”

Miller points out that as a general rule everyone in the family, from preschoolers to grandparents just love to watch the color, action, and excitement of shows featuring skilled acrobats and performers doing unusual feats of grace, daring, physical prowess and dexterity. He said, “I can’t recall a season where Branson has offered its visitors a better variety or quality of this type of shows on a regularly scheduled basis.”

Branson’s longest running show of this type is the “Acrobats of China” which has been amazing Branson audiences since 1998. In a 2009 review of the show this writer said, “Everything involved with this show is about excellence, synchronization, excitement, precision, skill and entertainment. Even something as seemingly mundane as the beating of Chinese drums is turned into a colorfully synchronized entertainment experience that is amazing to see and hear. Acrobats of China is a virtual cornucopia of one amazing, entertaining, and exiting act after another that seamlessly melds into one grand choreographed entertainment experience for both adults and children.”

“Cirque Montage,” is bringing its cirque excitement back to the Branson stage for the entire 2010 season . It combines the skill, daring, strength, grace, and agility of former artists with various Cirque du Soleil shows into a show that showcases each individual performers unique talents and skills. Judy Blake, one of the promoters of Cirque Montage said that in the typical cirque show there is a lot going on at the same time that the individual artist is performing. She calls Cirque Montage “cirque lite” in that it emphasizes and focuses on the individual artists themselves as they perform and display their incredible talents and skills as they interact with the audience.

“Legends of Kung Fu, Chun Yi” is a new Branson show this year, but is not a new show. It was featured at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, toured North America, Russia and Japan and is now the longest running production in China having been seen by over 2 million people at the Red Theatre in Beijing, China.
It is being presented in Branson by China Heaven Creation International Performing Arts Co. Ltd, based in Beijing, and will feature a cast of dozens of young Kung Fu practitioners, dancers, and acrobats. The action filled show is presented within the drama of the challenges a young boy faces to earn the title “Chun Yi, The Pure One”.

For additional information or tickets for the Acrobats of China, Cirque Montage, Legends of Kung Fu, Chun Yi

or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

2010 Information
Legends of Kung Fu, Chun Yi
(Performing At White House Theatre)
To Order Tickets Please Call : 1-800-785-1550
A venerable temple master tells a fearful young apprentice the story of a legendary Kung Fu hero to give him insight into the life of a monk.

The story begins when the young Chun Yi is brought by his mother to the temple to start his apprenticeship to become a monk. At first he finds it difficult to adapt to the strict discipline. Under the tutelage of the wise Master, the boy realises if he resists temptation and distraction he will attain focus and competence. At his initiation he is given his name "Chun Yi" - the Pure One.

Growing up, the boy studies hard. Dedicated in both mind and body he learns the art of Zen and skills of Kung Fu, collecting vital life energy, Qi, from heaven and earth. He learns to look to nature and the movements of animals, and carves his body like the stone and steel of the weapons he masters. The Master warns him that truth can easily be seduced by ego.

In spite of his lessons, Chun Yi exults in his new-found power. Vulnerable to illusion, he meets temptation and is distracted from the purity of the Buddhist life. He denies those who are closest to him, and finds himself alone, unprepared for the unexpected trials of life.

Deeply remorseful, Chun Yi moves through meditation to renewed focus. He is now truly ready to become a warrior monk, not for violence or aggression, but a true warrior for peace. So begins his life-long spiritual journey to enlightenment.

Many years later, the wise old Master prepares for the end of his life. Chun Yi is called back to the Temple where the Master passes on to him the staff of his authority as Temple Abbott.

As the story comes to an end, can the fearful young apprentice now find the courage to dedicate himself to the life path of Kung Fu

May 1 - Nov 28, 2010. A lot of two-show days.

[GeneChing]

August 19, 2010
‘Kung Fu’s’ kicks, dances draw rave reviews
By Dave Woods New media and marketing manager

BRANSON, MO. — Rick and Teri Casey hadn’t been to a Branson show in a long time.

“We live here and it’s nice to see something different,” Teri Casey said after seeing the first half of “Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu.”

“I haven’t been to a show in five years, but this made me buy a ticket. It’s so refreshing to see something different.”

Rick Casey, her husband and a martial arts fan and practitioner, said he was impressed by the new show, too.

“You have to be in good shape to do those moves,” he said. “I really enjoyed it.”

While Rick Casey was taken with the martial arts performed during the show and the skill level demonstrated by the young Chinese cast of more than 60 martial artists and acrobats, his wife was moved by the dance.

“The female dancer is so good,” she said. “I think she’s the best in the show and the best dancer I’ve ever seen in Branson. Hopefully it will take off.”

Standing ovations

That hope is shared by Pam Critchfield, who coordinates marketing for the new production.

“Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu” tells the tale of a young Chinese boy sent by his family to live at a monastery and train in the ancient warrior art of Kung Fu.

“The audiences’ response has been much bigger and better than we could have ever imagined,” Critchfield said of the production. “We had one of the writers, Mr. Gao, come from China for the show’s opening. He was here expressly to meet people after they had seen the show and to talk to them and see what their opinions were and what they liked.”

After talking to many audience members, Critchfield said only a few minor changes were made.

“The American audiences in Branson just overwhelmingly loved the show as it was. The kids in the audience are loving it,” she said. “At every single show we’ve had a standing ovation. The Chinese have not experienced standing ovations. It’s very rare in China, so to have that response in Branson with American audiences has shown them a great deal of respect.”

Critchfield said the cast is “in awe” of how the Americans have embraced the show.

“It’s very heart warming for them,” she said.

Logistics challenge

In order to bring “Kung Fu” to the United States as a permanent production, China Heaven Creation, the private company that organized and produced the show in cooperation with the Chinese government, had to accomplish some acrobatics of their own, jumping through hoops to arraigning travel documents for the cast and crew of more than 60 performers and technicitions.

“It took some time because of sheer numbers,” Critchfield explained. “The paperwork itself took quite a few months. When they first got here we had 82 people. We now have about 68 in the cast and crew.”

Getting the cast and crew to the United States wasn’t the only logistics challenge.

The production company purchased the White House Theatre in Branson, customize it for the show and imported the set and costumes from China.

“All of the costumes and scenery and lights ... everything came from China in huge crates,” Critchfield said. “It took six semi trucks to bring it all from the port where it arrived. Everything was built there; even the cement blocks and metal bars you see them break in the show came from China.”

Unexpected

After the show, Olya and John Czerkas of St. Petersburg, Fla., said they were glad they made time to see the show before heading home to the Sunshine State.

“We see a lot of theater and this was unexpected for Branson,” Olya Czerkas said. “I’m very impressed with the acrobats and gymnastics and the music adds to the mood and the tension. I think this gives Americans a great look inside the Chinese culture. It’s so nice to see another culture. It’s kind of like an Asian opera or ballet, I think. It’s good for us to see how other people live and think and dance.”

John Czerkas said he thinks shows like “Kung Fu” will help Americans understand how to “better get along in the Global society.”

“There is so much about the Chinese we don’t understand,” he said. “This will help. It’s good for us to be more familiar with their culture.”



Want to go?

Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu runs through Nov. 30

at The White House theatre in Branson. Call 417-335-2396

or go to www.kungfubranson for show and ticket ionformation.

We need to import those cement blocks and metal bars. We already import wood boards.